NZ’s underwhelming aromatic whites

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The third part of a report on the MWs’ tour of New Zealand earlier this year. See also NZ Chardonnay and NZ Pinot Noir. Tim's picture shows barbecues for visitors to Auntsfield. 

New Zealand’s reputation has been built on aromatic white wines. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is rightly a modern classic, where the combination of sunshine to deliver ripeness and aromatic intensity of gooseberry, grassiness and tropical fruit, alongside cooling influences to bring crisp, refreshing acidity, has become a world-beater. 

With around 23,500 ha (58,000 acres) of New Zealand’s 38,000 ha under vine planted to Sauvignon Blanc, it is clear that...